Craving that refreshing, slightly sweet, and wonderfully tangy strawberry salad you love from Wendy's? Well, you're in luck! This homemade version captures all the deliciousness of the restaurant favorite, but with the added bonus of knowing exactly what's going into your bowl. It's the perfect light meal, side dish, or even a delightful dessert – incredibly easy to make, and guaranteed to impress. Let's get started on this quick and easy recipe!
Ingredients: A Blend of Sweet and Tart
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Adjust the quantities as needed.
- 16 ounces fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion (about 1/2 a small red onion)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup poppy seed dressing (recipe below)
For the Poppy Seed Dressing:
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
This recipe is incredibly straightforward, even for beginner cooks. Let's get cooking!
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Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside. You can make this ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
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Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced strawberries, mandarin oranges, red onion, feta cheese, and fresh mint.
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Dress and Serve: Pour the poppy seed dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately or chill for later. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Tips and Tricks for Salad Success
- Fresh is Best: Using fresh, ripe strawberries is key to the success of this salad. Their sweetness will truly shine through.
- Control the Onion: If you're not a fan of strong onion flavor, you can use less red onion, or very briefly soak the chopped onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding it to the salad. This helps to mellow the sharpness.
- Cheese Variation: Feel free to substitute crumbled goat cheese for feta, if desired.
- Make it a Meal: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even some toasted pecans for a more substantial salad.
Variations: Putting Your Own Spin on it
- Berrylicious: Add other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a more complex berry flavor profile.
- Tropical Twist: Substitute pineapple chunks for the mandarin oranges for a tropical flair.
- Hearty Addition: Add some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and healthy fats.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 4-6g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Fiber: 2-3g
This Wendy's copycat strawberry salad is a delicious and refreshing addition to any meal. It's easy to prepare, adaptable to your preferences, and perfect for those warm summer days. Enjoy!